☆ Chapter 40: New Year’s Eve

After finishing, Jian Xi felt like she was about to die, lying flat on the bed, every part of her body aching.

He Ran hugged her from behind, nibbling on her shoulder with his teeth. “Jian Xi, why do you smell so good?”

“I don’t smell good; I smell fishy, all because of you.”

“Where’s the fishiness? Let me taste.” He Ran chuckled, turning her chin towards him, ready to kiss her lips.

Jian Xi turned her head to avoid him. “Are you a pervert? It’s all your scent.”

He Ran was satisfied and settled down, intertwining his fingers with hers.

In the bedroom, the lingering aftermath of passion hung in the air. Jian Xi felt the heartbeat against her back, which felt like a lullaby.

Just as she was about to close her eyes, He Ran said, “I’m going to apologize to your parents.”

Jian Xi hummed in response, her eyelids closing without saying anything.

He Ran: “Tomorrow?”

“You don’t have to rush to get scolded. My mom, I know her; wait until she calms down a bit.” After thinking for a moment, Jian Xi suddenly opened her eyes wide. “No, it won’t work.”

“What’s wrong?” He Ran asked.

Jian Xi turned over to face him, blinking her eyes. “Our household registration book is still at home!”

He Ran found it amusing. “What do we need the household registration book for?”

Jian Xi: “Marriage registration.”

Her voice was soft, but each word resonated like a bell.

“Why do you keep looking at me?” Jian Xi felt uneasy under his gaze, her heart fluttering.

He Ran’s gaze was intense, not even breathing heavily, looking rather serious.

Jian Xi felt pleased inside, thinking he was moved by her, so she moved her lips slightly, waiting for his kiss.

But He Ran suddenly smiled, reaching out to stroke her lips. “They’re all swollen.”

It took Jian Xi a while to react. “Can you think about something serious?”

“I can,” He Ran said. “I think about you all day.”

As if fed another peach-flavored candy, Jian Xi held back her laughter. “Only you are so informal.”

“If I were formal one day, you might not like me anymore.” He Ran pulled the blanket over a bit more, wrapping Jian Xi tightly.

Jian Xi snuggled against his chest. “Can you reform for me?”

“That’s a promise I can’t make.” He Ran patted her head. “I’ve already vowed for you.”

Jian Xi raised her head, puzzled. “What vow?”

“The text message I sent yesterday.” He Ran spoke confidently. “To spend my life giving everything for you.”

Jian Xi: “….”

“Not convinced?” He Ran grinned, pressing his forehead against hers and starting to be mischievous again. “Actually, I think you’re quite open, cooperative, and obedient.”

Jian Xi: “….”

He Ran rubbed her tailbone, still smiling. “This is good, nothing to be embarrassed about. If you’re comfortable, I’m comfortable.”

Jian Xi licked her lips and whispered something into his ear.

He Ran’s brow furrowed slightly, his whole body tingling, goosebumps layering upon goosebumps.

He lifted the blanket and slid in quickly. “Since you like it so much, let me call you again.”

Another sweat-drenched relay race began.

He Ran’s voice dropped into a low register, humming and groaning with great effort.

Jian Xi felt fireworks exploding in her ears, unable to resist curling her toes. “Stop calling, the bed is going to collapse!”

Fortunately, Jian Xi had the next day off and woke up at eleven.

The bedside was empty. Jian Xi pinched her temples and called out to the living room, “He Ran?”

“Up already?” He Ran hadn’t left, busy in the kitchen. “Brush your teeth and wash your face, then eat lunch.”

Jian Xi, feeling sore all over, went to inspect the kitchen work. There were shredded potatoes, pan-fried crucian carp, and a vegetable soup. She couldn’t help but praise him.

“So domesticated, Brother Ran.” Jian Xi leaned against his back, hugging his waist, slipping her hand under his shirt to gently play with his belly button.

He Ran dodged. “Don’t do that, it tickles.”

Jian Xi obeyed cheerfully, saying happily, “Brother Ran, let me marry you!”

He Ran laughed. “Nonsense.”

Jian Xi: “Oh dear, you’re such a male chauvinist, marry me or not.”

He Ran picked up a slice of cucumber and shoved it into her mouth. “Don’t bother me, go watch TV, I’ll call you when the food is ready.”

After eating their meal leisurely, He Ran rewarded her with a big apple before getting up to clear the table and wash the dishes.

Jian Xi’s mind was filled with pink bubbles. She asked, “Is this apple from Yantai, Shandong? It’s sweet and juicy.”

He Ran was nearly dying of laughter. “Your mouth is very sharp, able to taste the origin. But, this one isn’t particularly sweet, nor especially juicy.”

Unaware, Jian Xi casually asked, “Which region produces the juiciest apples?”

He Ran remained calm, his voice mingling with the sound of running water creating big splashes. He said, “Yours… has the most water.”

Jian Xi: “….”

Just as she was about to go to the kitchen to deal with him, her phone rang. It was Lu Hanxiao.

Before Jian Xi could speak after answering, she heard sharp cries coming from the other end. Her heart tightened. “Lu Hanxiao?”

After a slight crackle of static, Lu Hanxiao said, “Xiao Xi, I’m avenging you. I found those bastards who beat you up.”

Jian Xi frowned. “What are you doing? Don’t mess around, did you hear me?”

“Rest assured, I won’t let these little thugs take advantage. Whatever they did to you, I’ll return fivefold.”

Jian Xi decisively said, “Tell me where.”

Lu Hanxiao mentioned a hotel name, not too far via the elevated bridge.

When He Ran and Jian Xi arrived, the henchmen were just taking a break.

This suite had two bedrooms. Lu Hanxiao sat leisurely in the living room watching TV while chaos reigned in the sleeping area, the atmosphere tense and hostile.

Upon seeing Jian Xi, Lu Hanxiao pointed to the baseball bat beside the coffee table. “You use this later, vent some anger yourself.”

Jian Xi was speechless, hearing the sounds of beating and cursing resume inside. After waiting for two minutes, she said, “Forget it, those people are pretty young.”

“It’s precisely because they’re young and their parents don’t discipline them that I’m stepping in to be the good guy.” Lu Hanxiao sneered, “Do you think I want to contribute to the education cause? Damn right, I hate fools bullying my people.”

He Ran, who had been silent all along, finally spoke after hearing the last three words. “Hey, kid.”

Lu Hanxiao: “Don’t be jealous. I even cut her open-crotch pants when she was little. You go to the side.”

Jian Xi, annoyed by his noise, said, “I don’t want to deal with you. If you want to beat them, go ahead, just don’t cause trouble.”

“They won’t die.” Lu Hanxiao knew his limits. “Cover their heads, don’t let them see anyone.”

Jian Xi could tell that He Ran had been silent throughout the journey, his mind occupied.

“I’ll go out for some fresh air first,” she told He Ran. “You talk to him.”

After she left, He Ran turned his head to Lu Hanxiao. “Alright, they’ve been beaten enough, stop.”

Lu Hanxiao looked unreliable but understood well. He glanced at He Ran. “I know, treating symptoms but not the root cause. If Boss Jia’s gang doesn’t let you go, it’s Xiao Xi this time, maybe Tao Xing next.”

He Ran was silent.

Lu Hanxiao patted his shoulder. “Or we could arrange a meeting. I’ll join, face it head-on, who’s afraid of who!”

“Forget it, don’t get involved.” He Ran refused. “Your business is big, you have to weigh many aspects. Boss Jia is in the north of the city, you’re in the south. Buddy, I won’t let you get into this mess.”

Lu Hanxiao sneered. “Bullshit, I’m not afraid of anyone.”

He Ran said, “Even if you confront them directly, it’s just for surface harmony. If they stir up trouble in the shadows, it’s still unpredictable.”

This time, Lu Hanxiao listened.

“At the end of the day, grudges always fall on individuals. Alright, I’ll handle it myself.” He Ran patted his shoulder. “And thank you, buddy.”

Lu Hanxiao didn’t want to hear it. “Get lost.” He got up, walked to the door, and knocked three times on the door panel. Inside, upon receiving the signal, they immediately stopped, leaving only moans of pain.

When He Ran came out, Jian Xi nervously ran over, examining him from top to bottom.

“What, afraid I’ll start a fight?” He Ran laughed.

Jian Xi honestly nodded. “Afraid. Your temper is too violent.”

He Ran reached out to flick her nose. “Have some faith in your husband; I’m not just about fighting.”

Hearing this, Jian Xi laughed, straightened her back, stood at attention, and gave him a Young Pioneers salute. “Yes, sir!”

——

This year’s Lunar New Year came a bit late; February 4th on the solar calendar was New Year’s Eve. The Jian family tradition was to return to their hometown for the holidays, so Jian Xi and He Ran hadn’t seen each other for several days.

Since reconciling, Jian Xi had been holding He Ran back from visiting her parents because Tao Xihong’s prejudice against him was deeply ingrained. Jian Xi had tried bringing it up a few times, but her mother’s words and attitude had forced her back.

The most intense confrontation happened when preparing New Year’s goods. Jian Xi tentatively said, “Mom, He Ran wants to come and pay respects to you.”

Tao Xihong, who was arranging flowers at the time, outright rejected the idea. “Forget it.”

Jian Xi tried to persuade her. “Mom, I…”

Tao Xihong calmly interrupted. “Xiao Xi, since you don’t listen to my advice and insist on doing what you think is right, then you can’t expect Mom to change her opinion on someone.”

Jian Xi couldn’t even muster the strength to plead. “Everyone has a past, everyone makes mistakes. Mom, you can’t hold onto one mistake and never give him a chance to redeem himself. That’s unfair to him.”

“Fair?” Tao Xihong sneered lightly. “You’re right, I never intended to be fair to him.”

Jian Xi: “How much money does he need, how big a house, how nice a car, to change your impression of him?”

Tao Xihong finally raised her eyes. “Xiao Xi, can’t we avoid arguing over an outsider, as mother and daughter?”

Jian Xi stared for a few seconds, nodding repeatedly. “Alright, no arguments.”

Tao Xinglai had been eavesdropping for a while. Seeing the situation wasn’t right, he quickly intervened.

“Mom, do you still have watermelon-flavored milk candies? I really want to eat some.” Tao Xinglai dashed over, praising the flowers Tao Xihong had just arranged. “Wow, it’s so beautiful! Mom, you’re a fairy!”

Tao Xihong scolded him for being noisy. “You’re just causing trouble; I know what you’re up to.”

Tao Xinglai was too embarrassed. “An actor’s thoughts are easy to guess; it’s no surprise you know.”

“Alright, alright, stop bothering me.” Tao Xihong removed her gloves and took the flowers upstairs.

Seeing Jian Xi looking worried, Tao Xinglai felt a pang of pain. “Sis, can I lend you a shoulder to lean on?”

“Go away, I don’t want to cry.” Jian Xi slumped onto the sofa, looking up at the ceiling. “So annoying.”

Tao Xinglai peeled a piece of milk-flavored candy and casually shoved it into her mouth. “Old Tao makes you worry, Little Tao makes your mouth sweet. Consider it a game of Candy Crush, boom boom, and we’re even.”

Unfortunately, his good intentions backfired. Jian Xi was leaning back, and the candy went straight down her throat.

She choked, coughing violently, even losing her breath.

Tao Xinglai panicked, almost crying. “What happened? Our sibling telepathy is gone.”

After catching her breath, Jian Xi scolded him. “You still know I’m your sister!”

Tao Xinglai, with his clever brain, tried to redeem himself by suggesting an idea. “Actually, you and Brother He should act first and ask for forgiveness later. Get the marriage certificate, and Old Tao will have no choice but to accept it.”

Jian Xi: “Your ideas are so silly.”

“Silly ideas are good.” Tao Xinglai thought it more feasible. “All our household registration books are with Mom. Just ask her for it. With my silver tongue and the status of being her beloved child for many years, I guarantee—I won’t get it!”

Jian Xi: “….”

Tao Xinglai continued, “Then we’ll have to resort to cunning.”

Jian Xi lazily listened. “How cunning?”

Tao Xinglai said, “Steal it.”

Jian Xi sneered. “Very wise indeed.”

Tao Xinglai was displeased. “Can your tone be more sincere and friendly? I’m helping you.”

“All right, all right, thank you. Remember to give it to me if you steal it.” Jian Xi yawned and nonchalantly went to the kitchen to pour herself some water.

On New Year’s Eve night, the Jian family reunion dinner was set for the evening.

Tao Xihong prepared a table full of dishes, balancing meat and vegetables, vibrant colors.

Tao Xinglai’s mouth watered; he kept eyeing the food, wanting to sneak a bite.

Jian Xi blocked his hand. “Don’t interrupt, I’m taking pictures.”

“You never post on social media; you must be taking pictures to show Brother He.” Tao Xinglai teased. “It’s not like you made it, showing off so much.”

Jian Xi sent the pictures. “I don’t need to show off. At home, I eat Mom’s cooking; outside, He Ran cooks for me. His skills are excellent.”

Tao Xinglai sighed. “Too hateful. Another reason I like him. Next time, have him make braised pig’s trotters; I can eat three bowls of rice.”

Jian Xi, holding her phone, was grabbing red envelopes in the department’s WeChat group. “Don’t scheme against my brother-in-law. A man’s ambition lies beyond. I won’t let anyone else order him around; he only cooks for me.”

Tao Xinglai was extremely hurt. “Am I an outsider? Am I an outsider! Sister, with words like these, I’m starting to reconsider helping you steal the household registration book.”

Jian Xi was amused by him. “Alright, alright, I’ll give you a big red envelope later.”

“Anything less than ten thousand, don’t talk to me.” Tao Xinglai fiddled with the utensils, making a wish. “Next year, I must win the Best Actor award!”

At the New Year’s Eve dinner, the family was joyous. Jian Yanqing returned home from work just ten minutes before the meal, snow still melting on his shoulders, his face cheerful.

He raised his glass to toast each family member, first addressing Tao Xihong. “This family, with you through the years, gives me peace of mind.”

Tao Xihong clinked glasses with him. “Old Jian, take care of yourself. This rear base of ours, I’ll guard it well; please rest assured, Mayor.”

Tao Xinglai quickly seized the spotlight, raising his wine glass. “Dad, what about me? Praise me quickly!”

Jian Yanqing laughed. “You, in the new year, though you won’t grow taller, your brain might get smarter.”

The whole family burst into laughter.

Tao Xinglai protested. “I’m already a smart egg.”

Jian Xi also stood up, holding her glass with both hands, toasting her gratitude to her parents. “Mom and Dad.”

“Little Xi,” Jian Yanqing nodded. “Work is tiring, but saving lives is a doctor’s duty. Dad hopes you always stay true to your original aspirations, never forgetting your roots.”

Jian Xi nodded. “I will.”

After the feast, Jian Yanqing and Tao Xihong watched the Spring Festival Gala, Tao Xinglai went back to his room to play games, and Jian Xi enjoyed some quiet time alone, walking out to the courtyard.

More and more people were setting off fireworks, occasionally echoing across the sky.

Jian Xi took out her phone and sent a message to He Ran: “Hi!”

He quickly replied: “Hmm?”

“Finished eating?”

“Just finished. Grandma gave me lucky money, two hundred yuan.”

“Hand it over.”

“Wife, this is my cigarette money. Can I keep it?”

Jian Xi laughed as she replied: “Then accompany me on Valentine’s Day.”

“How?”

“All day and all night.”

At that moment, He Ran was sitting on the couch, watching the gala with his grandmother. His eyes were warm, and after pondering for a moment, he replied:

“Alright, five hundred for the night.”

Jian Xi quickly called him. He Ran walked outside to answer. “Oh, so eager to book my night?”

Jian Xi straightforwardly hummed in agreement. “What are you doing?”

Firecrackers sounded incessantly. He Ran lit a cigarette, biting it in his mouth, lightly smirking. “Guess?”

Jian Xi said, “Watching the Spring Festival Gala.”

He Ran tapped off the ash and chuckled deeply. “…Jian Xi.”

“Hmm?”

“I smell of alcohol… I want to kiss.”